My 14 Year Old Prepares to Embark
Hope everyone is having a relaxing weekend. I’m all tied up in knots, as “Baby Birdie” (aka VC) – is making his first solo expedition today!!
This excursion has been in the making since February when we had to send in an “audition tape” for him to be accepted to this particular camp several states away. So I’ve pretty much been stressing since then and this morning it all culminated as we arrived at the airport at 4:00 AM.
The way I react to things, making sure every piece of luggage was weighed and measured to the nearest millimeter, checking and double checking, you’d have thought he was sailing around the world solo like that chick a couple weeks ago.
But no, he is just headed to camp. For two weeks!! The tricky part of the excursion – a layover at JFK has now passed and assuming all goes well with the final leg of the trip, he will then be picked up by shuttle and driven an hour and a half to the camp.
My jaw dropped when the guy at the check-in counter asked what airline he would be flying to London on — LONDON???? (momentary panic set in but it ended up he thought he had heard us say “London.” We did not.)
This is VC’s Big Adventure. And like everything else we’ve exposed him to, he gets a little jittery at first, but before you know it, he’s acclimated and ready to explore new things. You give him a bit of rope and he runs with it…Wish I could be the same way!! I have trouble bypassing the “jittery stage.”
Anyway, just wanted to do an update as I await a call to say that he’s landed.
Been up all night since I had the “bra-illiant” idea that I’d stay up to ensure that everyone would wake up at 2:45 AM. (I told ya I leave nothing to chance!) And true to form, VC turned off his alarm and went right back to sleep…
MB has just alerted me that he will be taking a nap now that we know VC has landed; he said, “A lot of planning went into this; just short of the moon landing.” 
At what age did your kids make their first “solo expedition” and how’d it go?
This sounds like it will be a great adventure for him!
VC will be fine. I’m sure you prepared him well!
The Midge is 9 and still hasn’t flown solo — and given her particular situation I’m thinking she won’t until she’s at least 30 or so….
Karen recently posted..210-365 Grapes
I don’t have kids of my own, but since I’m still struggling with letting my nephews cross the street without holding my hand, I can imagine how you’d feel. However, from what I’ve read about VC, he sounds like an intelligent boy who will do well on his own. I hope he has a great time at camp.
JaniceP recently posted..Bedroom Project
My daughter went to cheerleading camp in 7th grade and I cried the entire time. I really did. I couldn’t even control it.
blueviolet recently posted..When It Rains It Pours Sometimes on Food- Sometimes on my Crafts
Awwww, I can only imagine. But I think this means that you are a wonderful and caring mother. It would be strange if you weren’t so worried. That being said, it sounds like it’ll be a great trip for your son–I’m sure he’ll have a fantastic time at camp
Charlotte recently posted..desire is creeping up heavy inside here
Not yet, my older is 12 and even if my husband proposed to send her all alone by plane…a big NOPE!
But one day …I guess…I would be ready
Best wishes to you all.
Alessandra recently posted..Black bread pizza
The first place I ever went alone was to stay with the grandparents for a week or so while mom and dad had some alone time. Of course, I was with my sister. After that, college. And the parents were nervous nellies and got me all situated before finally saying goodbye and leaving. Wow. Seems like a hundred years ago.
FabuLeslie recently posted..Chillin with Olive
My kids are only 10 and 7 so I think they’re too young to travel solo. In 2 years the oldest will be eligible to spend a month at an academic camp but I’m not sure I want him to.
Tracie recently posted..Blondes do have more fun If I remember correctly…
I’m proud of you! He will do great and so will you.
Can’t wait to hear how this goes. My oldest’s first alone excursion was to basketball camp when he was 9 years old. I was a nervous wreck and he had a blast.
Melissa Catmull recently posted..Lessons I have learned from my new favorite lesbian
Glad he got there ok. Can’t wait to here about his camp adventure.
Secret Mom Thoughts recently posted..Beautiful Beach Day
I remember when both my girls went off alone for the first time. It was a horrible experience for me. Kelly’s was right after 9-11 and I sobbed because they wouldn’t let me go all the way with her. OMW! I didn’t even care I was so scared for her.
Lisa recently posted..How many times in 2 days can one be pooped on
Sounds fun for son and stress for mum.. I would be the same way. Mine have gone for a week but to Gma’s .. not camp. They don’t seem interested in it. Perhaps cuz they’re girls.. dunno.
Take it easy and enjoy your time..
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My son was 13 when he took his first solo.
He had been visiting my sister and gotten homesick. It would be a while before my work schedule would allow me to get him, so he flew.
I was worried about him! He scoffed at the idea saying, “Dang, Dad! I’m not stupid. I know how to read the signs at the airport”
He’s always had a pretty good sense of direction
Hope he has fun! I think I was about 8 when I went to 4-H camp for a week- I had a blast! BTW, I have a pic of cheese balls for you! LOL
Bethany recently posted..Abandonment- Reversed
You are the #1 mom for pulling an all-nighter just to help the team.
The Mrs. will probably never let our kids go anywhere unattended–which is going to appear odd when they are flying somewhere at at 30 with mom stapled to their arms.
slamdunk recently posted..Unauthorized Video
Wow – how awesome for him!! I know you are so proud!
Denise@TogetherWeSave recently posted..CVS Deal Highlights
I hope he has a great time! Big hugs to you!
My kids haven’t gone anywhere alone yet, but I’m sure I’ll be a nervous wreck when they do!
Stefanie recently posted..Family Reunion 2010
Very interesting article, thanks. Keep up the good work.
How’re you doing?
Alessandra recently posted..Black bread pizza
My girls went on various school trips from about the age of 8. They coped well, despite both being shy souls. I, on the other hand, was always a basket case! I’m sure VC is having a whale of a time.
AngelCel recently posted..Alien Invasion
My 15 year old just went to a 4 day camp in Wisconsin – a whole state away where she knew NO ONE! I was nervous the whole time she was gone, wondering how she was getting on and if she was having fun. She cried alot, but she was pms’ing at the time too. But made a ton of new friends and had a blast.
Your son is going to have the time of his young life!
Val recently posted..Waiting to be rushed
can’t say.. since i have no kiddies yet.. lol
but i will say.. you are NOT alone in your stress.. i am the SAME WAY…
even when something isn’t THAT big of a deal.. i so freak.. thurs. we fly to oklahoma to visit hubs parents and i have been major stressing since.. oh maybe months ago!!.. you would think i would chill.. it’s only me and doug i have to situate … but oh no.. stressful i tell ya!!
randi troxell recently posted..mondays book- swimsuit
This is such an incredible experience for him! I never really got to go anywhere by myself when I was his age. My mom is what you would call “overprotective”.
Salt recently posted..From now on- you may call me Beyonce
Good luck to you and happy/safe travels to VC. My Birthday Gal is gallivanting around DC today with friends. She’s been there a million times, but never driving by herself…
Melissa B. recently posted..The Road Not Taken
He’s going to have such an amazing time!! Good for him, and good for you letting him go!
The Teen was 12 when she first went on a trip without the family – I sent her to Europe for 12 days with part of her Cadet Corps. They toured England and France and had the most amazing adventure. They also marched for the Queen (whoopee, the old bag didn’t even look at them) at the 90th anniversary of Vimy Ridge in France, which they all said was an amazing event.
Sending her off at that age was REALLY hard, and I wouldn’t have done so had I not fully trusted the adults she was going with (several officers and a couple parents). I’m so glad she went though; it was an amazing experience for her.
Jenn @ You know…that Blog? recently posted..Forward thinking
Oh, I bet he will have a great time! How nerve wracking for you, though! Obviously I can’t offer any advice, I’m still stressing at the thought of a sleepover for my 5 y.o.
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He will have a great time! You will miss him and count the days until he is back safely!
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My 15 year old brother is coming to visit me in a couple of days and he will be flying solo for the first time!! They’re driving here, but then he’s flying home alone. I’m going to have to be the brave one so that I don’t make him more nervous. He’s flying from Minneapolis to Philadelphia – luckily with no layovers!! So it should be easy enough for him as a first time.
My first BIG trip wasn’t until college, from Detroit to Milan, with a layover in Amsterdam! Spent a month in Milan and then flew back the same way we came. It was lifechanging!
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